Education - Issue #134: Edtech Minimalism, Old-School Teachers, and 2020 in Review

Edtech Minimalism doesn’t necessitate a complete abandonment of digital technology. Instead, if used thoughtfully, technology can preserve or even amplify the human connections that are fundamental to all learning experiences.

Arizona has quietly built the largest education technology sector in the nation with more than 50 companies selecting the state for their headquarters. Startups and large established EdTech organizations are flocking there in droves, and the state is leading the way for an industry expected to grow to more than $252 billion this year.

While there have been several discussions about students and the steep learning curve they faced, stories of teachers perils have been less estimated. Teachers used to putting chalk to the board now are making use of videos and Wi-Fi to conduct classes. From digital inexperience to decreasing student attention, teachers have been grappling with a myriad of obstacles since teaching from home.

Like any other industry, M&A in 2020 has been almost overwhelmingly shaped by the pandemic. The massive financial difficulties that lockdown posed for many businesses led to widespread administrations and distressed acquisitions. Meanwhile, on the flip side of this, sectors, industries and businesses well placed to respond to the crisis have flourished.

Summary: Pew Research Center has been studying attitudes about technology in the U.S. since the pandemic began. Key findings include the following:

1. The internet has been important or essential for 87% of Americans, with higher rates among those under age 50 and college graduates. As a corollary, nearly half of Americans indicated that a disruption to their internet or cellphone service would be a big problem. 64% say that phone and online contact is not a sufficient substitute for face-to-face interaction.

2. Roughly 30% of broadband and cellphone users worry about their ability to pay their bills. However, more than 60% do not believe that the government has the responsibility to ensure access to wireless and broadband service for all citizens.

3. With the shift to online learning, there are growing concerns about access to technology (i.e. lack of a computer and/or wireless internet) creating obstacles to learning. 80% of Americans believe the government should provide computers to at least some students.

4. These is widespread skepticism that technology will be a useful tool for tracking the coronavirus while addressing privacy concerns.